Technical overview
Nickel 200 (UNS N02200) and Nickel 201 (UNS N02201) are unalloyed nickel with at least 99.2% Ni. They are known for excellent resistance in alkaline media, high ductility and good electrical and thermal conductivity, and they are ferromagnetic.
Nickel 201 is the low-carbon version. VDM states it is preferable to Nickel 200 at service temperatures above 300 °C, because its reduced carbon practically eliminates grain-boundary attack above 315 °C.
Grades & standards
Grades are distinct materials — properties and uses below apply to the named grade only.
Nickel 200 (UNS N02200)
Commercially pure nickel
Composition: Ni ≥ 99.2%
- Excellent resistance to caustic alkalis
- Food processing, caustic soda production
Listed specifications: ASTM B160 (rod & bar)
Nickel 201 (UNS N02201)
Low-carbon commercially pure nickel
Composition: Ni ≥ 99.2%, reduced carbon
- Preferred above ~300 °C
- Higher ductility, lower work-hardening rate
Listed specifications: ASTM B160 (rod & bar)
Technical properties
| Property | Value | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel content (min.) | 99.2% | Nickel 200 / 201 | VDM Metals |
Typical or specified values for the named grade from the cited source. Actual values depend on temper, size and the producing mill — rely on the mill certificate for your lot.
Forms
Typical industry forms for this material. They are not a stock list — form, size and availability are confirmed per enquiry.
- Rod & bar
- Sheet & plate
- Strip
- Wire
- Cathode / plating pieces
Applications & industries
- Caustic soda production and handling
- Food-processing equipment
- Electrical and electronic components
- Battery current conductors and electrode contacts
- Electrodes for hydrogen production
Selection notes & limitations
- Resistance to mineral acids varies by acid and conditions — confirm for your medium.
- Nickel 200 is not preferred for service above roughly 300 °C; specify Nickel 201.
What to specify when requesting a quote
- 1Nickel 200 or 201 (service temperature)
- 2Form — wrought product or plating-grade nickel
- 3Grade and the standard it must conform to (ASTM, EN, IS, UNS or your drawing)
- 4Form and dimensions — thickness or diameter, width, length and tolerances
- 5Approximate quantity, and whether the requirement is one-off or recurring
- 6Intended application, so the grade can be cross-checked before quoting
- 7Documents required — e.g. mill test certificate, chemical analysis, certificate of conformity
- 8Delivery city / site and the date you need material by
Documents buyers may request
Mill test certificate
e.g. EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate, where the producing mill issues one
Chemical analysis report
heat / lot composition against the specified grade
Certificate of conformity
confirming the material meets the ordered standard
Heat / lot traceability
heat numbers marked on material and documents
Dimensional inspection report
for cut-to-size or machined material
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
especially for lead, beryllium-, cadmium- or lead-bearing products
Which documents can be provided depends on the source mill and is confirmed with each quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply nickel for electroplating?
Plating-grade nickel (pieces, cathode squares) is a different product from wrought Nickel 200/201. Tell us your plating process and we will confirm sourcing.
Sources & technical references
- VDM® Nickel 200 and 201 material data sheet No. 1101 (rev. 02, March 2022) — VDM Metals. Checked 2026-10-14.
- ASTM B160 — Nickel Rod and Bar — ASTM International. Checked 2026-10-14.Full standard is paywalled — only the public abstract and scope on astm.org were read. Composition tables were not accessed.
